CRYSTAL ANEKE
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UNITED STATES, 22
Project: Voices Of Boston
Focus Area: Policy Advocacy
Crystal is the Co-founder of The Voices of Boston (VOB), alongside Stessie Germain, Lisa Agyare and Jayana Greene. They grew up as young women of color in different neighorboods in Boston, where they each experienced firsthand the effects of institutionalized inequities. Their yearn for social justice stemmed from prolonged frustration to the systemic racism they continuouslyexperienced in their communities. In May 2020, they founded VOB during the wake of public outcry for racial justice prompted by the death of George Floyd. VOB represents black, indigenous, and people of color communities inBoston, with the mission to promote civic engagement and educatecommunities on the impact of voting in all forms of electorates. They serve as a stepping stone to unite marginalized groups and allies to fight for change in order to lift unheard voices. The Voices of Boston understands theirresponsibility as citizens to recognize, organize and mobilize against injustice, and the power ofeducated voting to generate long-term change for the greater good. Recognizing that four youngwomen cannot spark a revolution on their own, they thrive off of community cohesiveness. Asthey like to say, “United we stand and together we amplify the voices of Boston.”